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Tariff Increase Advocacy Gains Momentum as GSMA Report Reveals Industry Insights

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While the advocacy for tariff increase remains under deliberations, revelations in the latest Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report have watered the ground for an increased tariff increase advocacy. The report, offering a deep dive into the sector’s dynamics, provides compelling arguments for adjusting tariffs to ensure sustainability and growth.

L-R: Juergen Peschel, Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission; Gbenga Adebayo, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairperson, Globacom; Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN; Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSM Association (GSMA); Ibrahim Dikko, Chief Executive Officer, Backbone Connectivity Networks Nig. Ltd.; at the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report launch in Abuja on May 9 2024.

Highlighted in the report is the telecom sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 8% of the nation’s total GDP, a figure that swelled to 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem. The mobile industry’s overall contribution to GDP was estimated at a staggering 20 trillion NGN, with substantial tax revenues of 2.8 trillion NGN.

The sector’s potential to drive digitalisation across various domains is of paramount importance. The report projects a significant boost in GDP across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government, translating into nearly 2 million jobs and an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenues by 2028.

The promise of 5G networks is poised to revolutionise operations, particularly in critical sectors like oil and mining, with real-time data transmission and remote monitoring enhancing efficiency. Digitalisation, especially in manufacturing and trade, holds immense potential for value addition and job creation, promising billions in additional tax revenues.

Despite Nigeria’s noteworthy internet usage figures, with 29% of the population regularly online, the sector faces challenges. The country boasts the lowest-cost data baskets in Africa, yet maintaining competitive mobile data network speeds remains essential. With an average speed of 21Mbps, Nigeria’s performance is comparable to neighbouring countries, underscoring the need for sustained investments.

However, sustaining this growth requires recognizing the capital-intensive nature of the telecom sector. Operators must continually invest in network maintenance and expansion, necessitating a conducive regulatory environment that ensures fair returns on investments.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commenting during the report launch, said, “We raised several issues on the state of affairs of the telecom industry, and among the challenges articulated is the return on investment, stability of the infrastructure and the need for pricing rights. As an ecosystem, tariff hike is one of the sensitive issues affecting the telecom sector and has to be addressed by all stakeholders. We need to look at the state of affairs of the industry and examine holistically. There are ongoing obligations to our end users including infrastructure security. Tariff increase is a solution to solve multiple challenges of the telecom industry.“

The GSMA report positions the ongoing tariff adjustment deliberations as a strategic move to secure the sector’s long-term viability. With Nigeria’s digital future at stake, finding a balance between affordability for consumers and sustainability for operators is paramount to ensure continued growth and innovation in the telecom landscape.

 


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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QNET Named ‘Direct Selling Company of the Year’ at AfriTECH 4.0 Awards

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QNET, a leading global lifestyle and wellness direct selling company, has been honored with the prestigious “Direct Selling Company of the Year” award at the recent AfriTECH 4.0 Conference and Awards.

This recognition underscores QNET’s significant contributions to financial inclusion and e-commerce in Africa.

The award was presented to QNET by Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTech & ATAEx Awards. Onwuegbuchi commended QNET for its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and driving economic growth across the continent.

He highlighted the company’s innovative approach to direct selling, coupled with its focus on financial literacy and digital innovation.

Biram Fall, Regional Manager for QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

He emphasized QNET’s dedication to innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Africa.

Fall highlighted the company’s impact on the Nigerian economy, particularly through its advanced technology and robust e-commerce platform.

“QNET’s participation in this event further solidified its position as a key player in the region’s digital transformation journey.

“We are committed to staying in Nigeria, our biggest market in Sub-Saharan Africa, and contributing to the region’s development,” Fall stated.

During his keynote speech, Fall underscored QNET’s commitment to empowering individuals through knowledge and skill development.

He highlighted the FinGreen financial literacy program, which has already trained over 1,350 young people in Nigeria to make informed financial decisions.

Fall also emphasized the potential of direct selling to drive economic growth in Africa. “Our e-commerce-driven direct-selling model provides opportunities for income generation across more than 100 countries, helping individuals pursue their goals while contributing to community growth,” he explained.

Addressing the challenges of limited banking infrastructure and cash dependency in Africa, Fall stressed the importance of financial inclusion for e-commerce growth.

He called for collaboration to accelerate financial inclusion and e-commerce growth in Africa, fostering a financially inclusive future for the continent.


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Martin Ekpeke Honored with Digital Reporting Excellence Award @ATAEx

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Martin Ekpeke, Managing Editor of ITPulse, a leading Nigerian online Information and Communications Technology (ICT) news platform, was awarded the prestigious Digital Reporting Excellence Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards.

The award, presented by Tech Castle Foundation, recognizes Ekpeke’s exceptional coverage of cyber threats, digital privacy, and the evolving online security landscape.

“We are thrilled to honor Martin Ekpeke with the Digital Reporting Excellence Award.

“His insightful reporting has been instrumental in raising awareness about critical digital issues and empowering individuals and organizations to stay informed and protected,” said Chike Onwuegbuchi from Tech Castle Foundation.

Ekpeke expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive this award.

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire ITPulse team.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality, informative content that empowers our readers to navigate the complex digital world.”

The Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and institutions driving digital transformation in Africa.

This year’s event brought together tech enthusiasts, regulators, and other key stakeholders in the Nigerian ICT ecosystem.


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NCC Calls on Judiciary to Champion Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in Nigeria’s digital transformation. During the Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida highlighted the judiciary’s reliance on digital tools to enhance justice delivery.

He stressed the need for special protections for telecommunication infrastructure, which faces disruptions from vandalism, theft, and restricted access.

Maida called for judicial support to implement the Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

This order prohibits unauthorized actions against such infrastructure without a lawful court order.

The judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts, and developing digital jurisprudence is vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC’s efforts to protect consumers from unfair practices and emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to the telecommunications sector.

She highlighted concerns such as cybersecurity risks, consumer data protection, and the need for improved dispute resolution frameworks within the digital economy.

The workshop aims to equip judicial officers with the technical expertise required to address emerging legal challenges in telecommunications.

Nigeria’s digital economy has significant growth potential, with projected revenues of $18.30 billion by 2026, expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote innovation.

The NCC is working with key stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the Presidential Order and to keep Nigeria competitive in the global digital economy.


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